Der Schutz von Ehe und Familie in der Europ ischen Grundrechtecharta

»The Protection of Marriage and the Family under the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union«The protection of marriage and the family is being controversially discussed around Europe, especially in the wake of the demographic changes. Although the European Union has no direct competencies to regulate the law of marriage or the family, the European Charter of fundamental rights dedicates three of its articles to this topic: articles 7, 9 and 33. The thesis explores the concepts of marriage and the family and the structures of the corresponding articles 7, 9 and 33 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights in the light of the European Conventions on Human Rights which constitutes a minimal standard that the Charter of Fundamental Rights may not undermine. The provisions of article 33 of the Fundamental Charter are being classified as rights or principles under the Charter. In conclusion, the practical applicability of the provisions within the current legal framework is being defined.